* Review * THE FORBIDDEN by Sawyer Bennett

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * THE FORBIDDEN by Sawyer BennettThe Forbidden by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Bluegrass Empires #2
Published by Big Dog Books on July 23, 2024
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four-half-stars

The prince of his family’s Kentucky bourbon empire, Gabriel Mardraggon is a ruthless and cunning businessman. Focused on the continued success of Mardraggon Enterprises, relationships and settling down aren’t even on his radar. After all, he’s the product of two people who always put money before love. Loyal to the family’s creed of winning at all costs, as well as their hatred of the Blackburns, Gabe will never accept peace between the dynasties.

Katherine Blackburn is Gabe’s polar opposite—carefree, lighthearted and completely mischievous. Kat works hard as a horse trainer but never hesitates to let her hair down and have a little fun. And lately that has included poking at Gabe and his buttoned-up ways, much to his irritation. Getting a rise out of the cold but gorgeous Mardraggon heir brings Kat unfettered joy, especially given their two families’ ugly history together.

Blackburns and Mardraggons are bitter enemies. Any type of relationship would be strictly forbidden. But when Gabe’s business dealings hurt Kat in a way he never imagined, his walls crumble and he’s forced to lay his feelings for Kat bare. Now Gabe has to decide if he’s ready to alter the course of history or walk away from the only genuine thing he’s ever known.

 

Dashingly sinful, fresh and alluring! A surprise reunion amidst family hatred is sure to please fans of Sawyer Bennett’s Bluegrass Empires series. Venturing into a storyline of wealth and family dynamics looks really good on Bennett and I’m loving getting to know the Blackburns and the Mardraggons as drama plays out around every corner as love wins out time and again with this Blackburn crowd. I can’t wait to see more play out with this series. The ending felt rushed, but overall I loved every minute of Gabe and Kat’s story and following up on all that we learned in Ethan and Marcie’s story. I adore Bennett’s hockey hunks, but getting to see her spread her wings into a relaxed yet privileged family drama is rewarding. Great characters, satisfying drama and just the right amount of passion to keep me entranced.

four-half-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A COWGIRL NEVER FORGETS by Melinda Curtis

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * A COWGIRL NEVER FORGETS by Melinda CurtisA Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Blackwell Belles #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 23, 2024
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four-stars

Even the best cowgirl falls…

When it’s the right cowboy

Rodeo cowgirl Maggie Blackwell doesn’t need her estranged family. She’s got Clem Coogan—her best friend, rodeo buddy and absolute rock. But when a rodeo accident leaves Clem with a terrible concussion, he’s convinced they’re a romantic item…and proposes to her. Now until his memory comes back, Maggie’s playing along. But can she keep this headache from turning into heartache for both of them?

 

Fans of the Blackwells are in for a treat! Big E and his extended family are back! A brand new series kickoff is underway for Big E’s sister Denny’s granddaughters and Melinda Curtis is starting us off with Magnolia’s story. I was quickly hooked though there is a hint of a cliche amnesia storyline tidbit to withstand. I loved Clem and really enjoyed the side of Maggie that he helped release. I feel like the set up for the series was laid pretty well for the coming books, but I was surprised that we didn’t get any of the interaction between the whole group of sisters at all yet. I’m looking forward to watching them develop and for the drama yet to come. So excited to have the Blackwells back again!

four-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LOCK ‘EM DOWN by Gina Azzi

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * LOCK ‘EM DOWN by Gina AzziLock 'em Down by Gina Azzi
Series: Bang Brothers #4, Tennessee Thunderbolts #7
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on July 23, 2024
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four-half-stars

I’m a carpe diem, live-in-the-moment, kind of woman. But waking up in Vegas with a rock on my finger and a gorgeous man in my bed? Well, now I’m redefining what it means to roll the dice…

Especially because my new husband is Tennessee Thunderbolts center, Leif Bang.

Yes, he has electric blue eyes that pierce me to my core. For sure, I’ve never seen forearms quite like his. And — another point for him — he makes me fold over with laughter.

But he’s also the man my mother was scheming to set me up with once I settled in Knoxville for my new job.

Determined to start my new life on my own terms, the last thing I need — or want — is a wickedly charming husband who’s never had a serious girlfriend, much less an impulsive wife.

It’s fine because I’m all about those annulment papers. Except, our moms are old friends, I’m new in town, and Leif is nothing like I expected.

Especially when he asks me to fake this marriage a little while longer.

Now, I’m forced to embrace my life’s motto and leave things up to chance…

Even if I’m gambling with my heart.

 

Sexy, sweet and sentimental! I’m loving getting to know the Bang family so much as each sibling finds their forever love. This time it’s Gina Azzi’s turn to turn on the heat for Leif and his quickie Vegas wife Cami. They won me over quickly when they met and dove into life with each other without a second thought … until the next day. The characters both had an interesting back story and zest for their own ways, but together they were really sweet and adorable. I wanted a smidge more to the development of them together once they decided they were in it for the long haul, but overall I was addicted and there throughout for that happily ever after. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

four-half-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * JUST ONE MORE DARE by Carly Phillips

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * JUST ONE MORE DARE by Carly PhillipsJust One More Dare by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #2
Published by CP Publishing on July 23, 2024
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five-stars

A runaway bride.
Her older brother’s off-limits friend.
Taking one more shot at love should be easy, right?
Not on a dare.

Samantha Dare had one thought when she found out her fiancé was a lying cheat. Escape. So, she ran from her wedding… straight into the arms of the man who once gave her the hottest kiss of her life. But rebounding with her brother’s friend would be a huge mistake… wouldn’t it?

The last thing Dex Sterling needs is more chaos in his life. Retiring from football and starting over in broadcasting gave him plenty of that. But even though Samantha is chaos personified, for some reason, he’s still not able to keep his mind—or hands—off her…

Is a little bit of forced proximity and a lot of sexual chemistry enough to earn them a second chance at happily ever after?

Samantha and Dex are about to find out…

 

Scruptiously addictive! Carly Phillips is delighting long-time readers with the long-awaited story of Samantha Dare as book two in her Sterling Family series and the drama, passion and heart of her book did NOT disappoint! Great angst to kick off the drama and then so much warmth and feelings between these two to hold my attention throughout. I loved Dex and Samantha!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that adores a close-knit family who always has each other’s back as one sibling at a time finds their happily ever after.

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * THIRST TRAP by Lani Lynn Vale

July 9, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THIRST TRAP by Lani Lynn ValeThirst Trap by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Carter Brothers #3
on July 9, 2024
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four-half-stars

Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.

One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.

Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.

At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.

Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.

A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?

Consequently, they go their separate ways.

They live their lives.

And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.

Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.

But eventually, time catches up to them.

Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.

 

An angsty reconnection of first loves! Lani Lynn Vale always delivers on yummy heroes who fall hard when they meet the one and cherish them forever, so it’s no surprise that the latest Carter Brother is still carrying a torch for his first love who he tore the heart out of when he chose his career over her teenage heart. I adored Shayne and Quinn earned his way back into my heart as well, but I did enjoy that she made him work for it. Lots of drama, heartache and turmoil as true love finds a way to outlast even the biggest divide. Well developed characters and plot. I’m really enjoying the Carter Brothers series and am looking forward to more to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Thirst Trap
Series: Carter Brothers #3
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Trope: Bad Girl/Good Guy
Release Date: July 9, 2024
BLURB

 

Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.

 

One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.
Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.
At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.
Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.
A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?
Consequently, they go their separate ways.
They live their lives.
And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.
Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.
But eventually, time catches up to them.
Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.

 

 
 
BOOKBUB

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
 

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

COMING SOON
Releasing August 6
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
AUTHOR LINKS
FACEBOOK
four-half-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * HIT ‘EM HARD by Kat Mizera

June 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIT ‘EM HARD by Kat MizeraHit 'em Hard by Kat Mizera
Series: Bang Brothers #3, LA Phantoms
on July 9, 2024
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five-stars

Hit 'em Hard is Book 3 in the Bang Brothers hockey series.
The Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same.

JENSEN:

Chasing my pro hockey dreams in the City of Angels has been a relentless battle. Each season feels like starting over, and being miles away from my family only adds to the struggle. I don’t know what I would do without my online gaming friends. Especially @Empress.

I know nothing about her—not even her real name—but what I do know with certainty is that our chats are my lifeline. I wish she would let me in, but she guards her secrets even more closely than I do.

A chance encounter puts us in the same room together, and the attraction IRL is next level. But before I can make my play, she disappears. I'm desperate to find her again and my meddling, matchmaking mother shows up just in time to help. Can I convince her that I'll be there no matter what she's hiding? Or will we both get hit hard in this real life game of love?

Bang Brothers Hockey Series Titles:
6/11/2024–Lace ’em Up by Elise Faber
6/25/2024–Show ’em How by Jami Davenport
7/9/2024–Hit ’em Hard by Kat Mizera
7/23/2024–Lock ’em Down by Gina Azzi
8/6/2024–Light ’em Up by Kelly Jamieson
8/20/2024–Hook ’em Hard by Cathryn Fox

 

Fast paced and addictive hockey romance! The third Bang Brother Jensen is super easy to like and already has his sights set on an online gaming friend before his matchmaking mother arrives. He’s a member of the LA Phantoms hockey team and the storyline veers a bit to go back in time from where we have already reached in that series from Kat Mizera, so that was a bit of a let down, but overall I really enjoyed Jensen’s story and look forward to more to come with the rest of his siblings. Great characters, just enough angst to keep it moving and lots of steamy passion from this sweet couple. Looking forward to more in the Bang Brothers series as well as from the LA Phantoms!

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ONE LITTLE SIGH by Shannon Hollinger

June 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE LITTLE SIGH by Shannon HollingerOne Little Sigh by Shannon Hollinger
Series: Chief Maggie Riley Series #4
Published by Bookouture on June 28, 2024
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five-stars

The small child floats so gently in the water, he could be peacefully asleep: but the cold blue of his skin reveals his fate. One mother’s little boy is never coming home again.

When Chief Maggie Riley sees the body of the small boy still dressed in pajamas in Beaverhead Lake, her heart breaks. Little Patrick Warner went missing last night. Despite immediately calling the entire town of Coyote Cove into action, Maggie’s desperate search failed. Even worse, it’s clear it was murder: Patrick took his last breath long before he entered the water.

Maggie is devastated—Patrick reminds her so much of her beautiful younger brother, gone for so long. Visiting the tiny, rumpled bed where Patrick’s teddy bear still lies, and where Patrick was last seen by his mother Jenny, Maggie’s grief turns to rage. She is determined to bring whoever hurt Patrick to justice.

In this isolated community, someone must know something. But no one will talk. And if his family had nothing to do with it, why are they so secretive? As Maggie’s investigation gathers pace, her emotions threaten to overwhelm her. She still doesn’t know her brother’s fate—she won’t let that happen for little Patrick.

But when Jenny suddenly disappears, suspicions whirl around her role in Patrick’s death. Could she have been lying all this time? Or is Jenny herself in terrible danger too? To uncover the truth before more innocent lives are lost, and lay her demons to rest, Maggie will have to risk not only those closest to her but her own life too…

 

Deliciously unputdownable! Shannon Hollinger is pouring on the angst with her latest addition to her Chief Maggie Riley Series and I am here for every single minute of it. Maggie finds herself in the middle of a missing child case that hits all too close to her memories of the past and finds her questioning herself and others as we learn more about her prior life before she came to Maine. Fiance Steve is also finding himself knocked for a loop when his past begins to come back to haunt him just when his family arrives to meet Maggie. Lots of twists and turns as the current case develops and Maggie’s personal life becomes shaky. I’m really enjoying this series and looking forward to seeing them again.

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * THE FEUD by Sawyer Bennett

June 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE FEUD by Sawyer BennettThe Feud by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Bluegrass Empires #1
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on June 25, 2024
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five-stars

New York Times bestselling author, Sawyer Bennett, welcomes you to Bluegrass Empires, a sweeping series of sexy romance standalones. Set among the rolling hills of Kentucky horse farms and bourbon distilleries, these seductive tales are steeped in bloodline feuds that run deep and without forgiveness.

As the oldest of his siblings, Ethan Blackburn bears the weight of responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Blackburn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. Serious, gruff and solely focused on the success of the family business, Ethan isn’t one to mince words or waste time on anything that doesn’t further his interests. But when his meticulous world is upended by a shadowed secret brought into the light, Ethan is sent into a tailspin.

Marcie DeLeon just navigated her way through a bitter divorce, now intent on reimagining her life as a single career woman. She’s not looking to revisit the burden of a relationship anytime soon but when Ethan turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend a sympathetic ear to the handsome and broody man.

Ethan and Marcie are strangers who find a common thread to weave them together, creating a bond neither were seeking but both are loathe to walk away from. When Ethan faces a high-stakes battle against his family’s bitter enemy, he knows without a doubt there is nothing he won’t do to win the fight. Ready to give of himself completely, Ethan prepares to face-off with his foe hoping that no matter what the outcome, Marcie will be by his side in the end.

The Feud: A Blackburn Novel is a friends to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.

 

The rolling hills of Kentucky horse country and this close-knit family have just stolen my heart! I loved every minute of Ethan and Marcie’s story and can’t wait for more to come in the series. The characters are well developed with intriguing backstories and a supportive familial cast behind them. I enjoyed the way they forged together to overcome turmoil when it was needed most. There’s light angst, warm romance and lots of drama as huge upset occurs in Ethan’s life and he steps up to embrace it and shows what type of man he wants to be. Loved the heart, humor and general warmth of the series.

 

 

 

 

New Release from Sawyer Bennett
The Feud (Bluegrass Empires, Book #1)

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author, Sawyer Bennett, welcomes you to Bluegrass Empires, a sweeping series of sexy romance standalones. Set among the rolling hills of Kentucky horse farms and bourbon distilleries, these seductive tales are steeped in bloodline feuds that run deep and without forgiveness.

As the oldest of his siblings, Ethan Blackburn bears the weight of responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Blackburn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. Serious, gruff and solely focused on the success of the family business, Ethan isn’t one to mince words or waste time on anything that doesn’t further his interests. But when his meticulous world is upended by a shadowed secret brought into the light, Ethan is sent into a tailspin.

Marcie DeLeon just navigated her way through a bitter divorce, now intent on reimagining her life as a single career woman. She’s not looking to revisit the burden of a relationship anytime soon but when Ethan turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend a sympathetic ear to the handsome and broody man.

Ethan and Marcie are strangers who find a common thread to weave them together, creating a bond neither were seeking but both are loathe to walk away from. When Ethan faces a high-stakes battle against his family’s bitter enemy, he knows without a doubt there is nothing he won’t do to win the fight. Ready to give of himself completely, Ethan prepares to face-off with his foe hoping that no matter what the outcome, Marcie will be by his side in the end.

The Feud: A Blackburn Novel is a friends to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.

Grab your copy of The Feud directly from Sawyer by shopping the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book: https://bit.ly/STORE_TheFeud
Audio (narrated by Sean Masters and Kit Swann): https://bit.ly/STORE_TheFeudAudio
Signed paperback (available to US mailing addresses): https://bit.ly/STORE_TheFeudPB

You can also get The Feud at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

Try it before you buy it! Click below to READ or HEAR a sample of The Feud:

READ the first three chapters | HEAR the first chapter

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

 

Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Join Sawyer’s Newsletter

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SHOW ‘EM HOW by Jami Davenport

June 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SHOW ‘EM HOW by Jami DavenportShow 'em How by Jami Davenport
Series: Bang Brothers Hockey #1, Portland Icehawks
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on June 25, 2024
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five-stars

Show ’em How by Jami Davenport is book 2 in the Bang Brothers Hockey series

Meet the Bang Brothers—five hot hockey-playing brothers who are allergic to commitment.

The brothers are about to face off against their newly-retired mother…who suddenly has plenty of time to play matchmaker. Add in their baby sister and some secret dating, a single dad, an accidental pregnancy, a marriage of convenience, and a wrong bed—or two—and these siblings are not going to know what hit them!

JAKOB:
I'm a professional hockey player and a single dad with two rambunctious five-year-olds. My boys have driven away every nanny that's stepped foot in our house--except one--the one I don't want to keep, but they do. Tatted and pierced Gardenia Bliss is everything I dislike in a nanny and woman. She's a mouthy whirlwind, an obsessive recycler, a buyer of organic only food, and a lover of loud music. She's disrupted my household and destroyed my comfortable routine with her spontaneity. I want her gone, but I also want her naked, which is all kinds of messed up.

My plans to send her packing are thwarted by a road trip and no other options available. By the time I return, she's completely entrenched herself in my house, my life, and my dirty thoughts. She has to go, but I haven't found a way to extract the boys from her clutches. They adore her.

Then my meddling, matchmaking mom shows up for the holidays and enlists Gardenia to help her find the perfect woman for me. The two of them are forces of nature I'm powerless to combat. They'll never know the truth--I don't want those other women. I want Gardenia, but I can't have her. She's all wrong for my boys and me, but tell that to my stupid heart.

 

Highly addictive and super satisfying! Jami Davenport took the reigns in book two in the Bang Brothers series she is doing with a group of hockey romance authors and delivered a story I could not have loved more that took place in her Portland Icehawks world. Gardenia and Jakob were both sincere characters who were super easy to like and connect with, and the humor and heart taking place on every page of the story was lots of fun. I loved his precocious kids and the buttinsky family. I was however surprised that we only learned the name of two of his brothers and his parents when the entire family is supposed to be center stage in this series. A bit lacking there in carry-thru, but overall a really great read and perfect addition to both hockey worlds. Can’t wait for the next brother’s book!

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HER BILLION-DOLLAR BUMP by Dani Collins

June 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER BILLION-DOLLAR BUMP by Dani CollinsHer Billion-Dollar Bump by Dani Collins
Series: Diamonds of the Rich and Famous #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on June 25, 2024
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Goodreads
five-stars

Cinderella’s confession:
“I’m pregnant.”

Housemaid Fliss gave up her fashion dreams to care for her late grandmother. So finding a discarded invitation to the year’s most exclusive event feels like her last chance to get her designs noticed. She just never imagined that attention would come from notorious Saint Montgomery…

Knowing she doesn’t belong in the billionaire’s world, innocent Fliss can’t resist one night of Saint’s expert seduction. Except when his “thank you” diamonds land her in the headlines, she’s drawn back into his powerful presence. Because she has news of her own—and the bump to prove it!

 

Subterfuge is front and center, but leads the way to a very enjoyable read! Felicity might use somebody else’s invite to get into the high society event that puts her into Saint’s realm, but it’s all her own charisma and spark that winds up with her sharing his bed for the night. Several fumbles of mistaken identity, paparazzi fueled issues and unknown names lead to a mad dash to find each other again. The characters both have interesting backstories and seeing them realize the other is more than they expected is heartwarming. When an unexpected baby comes from their night together, we get to follow them on a journey of falling for each other and creating that happily ever after neither was exactly expecting. I highly enjoyed their story and found it stands alone without issue as I had not read the previous books in the Diamonds of the Rich and Famous series that this is the third book in.

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

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